Aldosterone, the major circulating mineralocorticoid, particiates in blood volume and serum potassium homeostasis. Primary aldosteronism is a disorder characterized by hypertension and, in more severe form, hypokalemia, due to autonomous aldosterone secretion from the adrenocortical zona glomerulosa. Improved screening techniques, particularly application of the plasma aldosterone: plasma renin activity ratio, has led to renewed interest in Conn's original proposal that primary aldosteronism may be the cause of increased blood pressure in about 10% of adults with hypertension. Glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism (GRA) was the first described familial form of hyperaldosteronism. The disorder is characterized by aldosterone secretory function regulated chronically by ACTH. Hence, aldosterone hypersecretion can be chronically suppressed by exogenous glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone in physiologic-range doses. This autosomal dominant disorder has been shown to be caused by a hybrid gene mutation formed by a cross-over of genetic material between the ACTH-responsive regulatory portion of the 11b-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) gene and the coding region of the aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) gene. Familial hyperaldosteronism type II (FH-II), so named to distinguish the disorder from GRA or familial hyperaldosteronism type I (FH-I), is characterized by inheritance consistent with an autosomal dominant pattern of autonomous aldosterone hypersecretion which is not suppressible by dexamethasone. Linkage analysis in a single large kindred, and direct mutation screening, has shown that this disorder is unrelated to mutations in the genes for aldosterone synthase or the angiotensin II receptor. A recent genome-wide search has identified a genetic linkage between FH-II in this single large kindred and polymorphic gene markers on chromosome 7 in a region that corresponds to cytogenetic band 7p22. This is the first identified locus for FH-II. Several possible candidate genes have been localized to the 7p22 region. The precise genetic cause of FH-II remains to be elucidated.

Partwell Limited is a small to medium sized (SME) manufacturing and supply company based in the United Kingdom. This case study discusses the circumstances that led the company to consider the implementation of two Internet Web sites for the purpose of conducting Electronic Commerce (e-commerce). The history and culture of Partwell are described, as are the histories and characteristics of key personnel involved in this e-commerce project. Furthermore, the company's previous experience with information and communication technology (ICT) is described. Following on from this the process by which e-commerce was introduced into the company is explained. This information provides the background for analyzing the case study. Finally, the case study goes on to show the importance of SMEs to the economy of the UK and identifies the main factors that inhibit SMEs from adopting e-commerce. The tangible benefits and consequences of this e-commerce project are identified.

SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) make a vital contribution to the economic and social well being of most European nations. Many SMEs have invested in an e-commerce presence on the Internet. They are motivated by the potential benefits, which include increased competitiveness and efficiency. In the U.K. there are many examples of entrepreneurial SMEs that have successfully embraced e-commerce. However, there are also many more SMEs that could benefit from Web-based e-commerce but have not yet done so. This chapter sets out the main factors that are inhibiting SMEs from adopting e-commerce. It then reports on a two-year teaching company scheme (TCS) between the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School (MMUBS) and Partwell Ltd., a U.K.-based manufacturing SME. This TCS was designed to improve the competitiveness of Partwell by establishing an e-commerce Web presence. The chapter highlights the philosophy and objectives of the TCS programme and describes the process of technology transfer between Partwell and MMUBS. One of the authors became immersed in the company for the two-year duration of the project, and the data presented here are based on his experience as an initiator of change. The action learning method by which e-commerce was introduced into the company is described and the results are evaluated against contemporary technology diffusion literature. It is shown that gaining the trust of key employees at Partwell, coupled with the adoption of a soft approach to e-commerce implementation, is a critical success factor. Finally, the chapter reports on the benefits that Partwell has gained through the TCS experience.

SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) make a vital contribution to the economic and social well being of most European nations. Many SMEs have invested in an e-commerce presence on the Internet. They are motivated by the potential benefits, which include increased competitiveness and efficiency. In the U.K. there are many examples of entrepreneurial SMEs that have successfully embraced e-commerce. However, there are also many more SMEs that could benefit from Web-based e-commerce but have not yet done so. This chapter sets out the main factors that are inhibiting SMEs from adopting e-commerce. It then reports on a two-year teaching company scheme (TCS) between the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School (MMUBS) and Partwell Ltd., a U.K.-based manufacturing SME. This TCS was designed to improve the competitiveness of Partwell by establishing an e-commerce Web presence. The chapter highlights the philosophy and objectives of the TCS programme and describes the process of technology transfer between Partwell and MMUBS. One of the authors became immersed in the company for the two-year duration of the project, and the data presented here are based on his experience as an initiator of change. The action learning method by which e-commerce was introduced into the company is described and the results are evaluated against contemporary technology diffusion literature. It is shown that gaining the trust of key employees at Partwell, coupled with the adoption of a soft approach to e-commerce implementation, is a critical success factor. Finally, the chapter reports on the benefits that Partwell has gained through the TCS experience.